A pillar of the city’s sports community is being given a lasting legacy as part of the Edmonton Grads International Classic.
Alberta Basketball Association (ABA) and Canada Basketball are proud to announce the creation of Most Valuable Player Award in honour of long-time city councillor and former teacher Bryan Anderson, whose indelible impact as a coach and builder spans generations.
The MVP of the international women’s basketball competition, which will see Canada (currently fifth in the FIBA World ranking) host Turkey (No. 7) at the Saville Community Sports Centre on July 4-7, will receive the Bryan Anderson award.
'Bryan Anderson is a true icon in the sports community,” says ABA Executive Director Paul Sir. “Most are familiar with his tireless work and many accomplishments on Edmonton City Council but his contribution as an educator and coach to the lives of many is special.
“Bryan was able to teach and coach everyone in a manner that empowered them to see their potential and strive to do their best. Male or female, tall or short - it didn't matter to Bryan. You were expected to work your hardest and take pride in the results,” Sir adds. “ABA salutes Bryan and are excited he is getting recognized for his contributions to our community.'
Anderson was first elected to Edmonton City Council in 1998 and went on to serve six consecutive terms as a councillor before retiring from politics in 2017. A staunch advocate of active and healthy lifestyle, Anderson pushed for the building of recreational and sports facilities, and was instrumental in creating the basketball partnership between Canada Basketball, Alberta Basketball and the City of Edmonton.
This is the third edition of the Edmonton Grads International Classic. Canada’s Senior Women’s National Team is training in Edmonton throughout the summer as it prepares for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 this September in Tenerife, Spain. | |
